Homemade pumpkin oat bagels with warm autumn spices and a fluffy texture

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade pumpkin oat bagels are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. They are soft, chewy, and have a lovely hint of pumpkin spice that makes them special. Making bagels at home might sound a bit tricky, but it's really quite simple and fun! You'll love the smell that fills your kitchen as they bake. Plus, these bagels are a healthier option compared to store-bought ones because you control the ingredients.

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Oat Bagels

Making these bagels involves several easy steps, but don't worry! Just take your time and follow along, and you'll create something wonderful.

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups organic all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups organic bread flour
1 cup organic rolled oats
1 packet rapid rise yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk, at room temperature (or any milk you like)
3 tablespoons organic cane sugar
1 tablespoon organic brown sugar
¼ cup warm water
¾ cup organic pumpkin puree, room temperature (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon homemade pumpkin spice blend
2 quarts water
4 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or barley malt syrup)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)

Directions

To Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and oats together.
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it foams.
Add the almond milk, pumpkin puree, sugars, vanilla extract, sea salt, and pumpkin spice to the flour mixture.
Now, pour in the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. It should be smooth and elastic.

Roll + Cut Dough:

After kneading, let the dough rest in a greased bowl, covered with a cloth, for about 1 hour. It should double in size.
Once it has risen, punch it down and divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball. Then, poke a hole in the center to make a bagel shape. Use your fingers to stretch the hole so it's about 2 inches wide.

Add Bagels to Water Bath:

In a large pot, boil 2 quarts of water with the maple syrup.
Drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water at a time. Boil them for about 1 minute on each side. This gives the bagels their chewy texture.
Remove them carefully and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush Bagels + Do a Second Rise:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Beat the egg and almond milk together to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture on top of each bagel.
Let the bagels rise again for about 15-20 minutes.

Bake the Bagels:

Place the bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.
Once done, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack.

How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin Oat Bagels

You can enjoy these bagels fresh from the oven. They are great plain or with a spread. Try cream cheese, butter, or even jam for a sweet touch. You can also toast them for a crunchy texture. They make a wonderful breakfast or snack, especially when paired with a warm drink.

How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Oat Bagels

If you have leftover bagels, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Homemade Pumpkin Oat Bagels

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your almond milk and pumpkin puree are at room temperature. This helps the dough rise better.
Don't Skip the Boiling Step: Boiling the bagels gives them a chewy texture, so it's an important step!
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to sprinkle seeds or spices on top of the bagels before baking for a unique touch.

Variation

If you want to switch it up, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough. You can also replace the pumpkin puree with mashed banana or sweet potato for a different flavor while keeping the same base recipe.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can use whole milk or any milk you prefer.

What if I don't have rapid rise yeast?

You can use regular active dry yeast, but be sure to activate it first according to the package instructions.

Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour blends for the all-purpose and bread flour. Just make sure it's a 1-to-1 baking blend for the best results.

Conclusion

Making homemade pumpkin oat bagels is not only a fun activity, but it also rewards you with delicious results. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings. You will love biting into a warm bagel with that lovely pumpkin spice flavor. Share them with family and friends or keep them all to yourself - either way, they are a treat!